Tractarianism Tested by Holy Scripture and the Church of England (Volume 2); In a Series of Sermons - Softcover

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This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1846. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... SERMON IX. ON BAPTISM. 1 Peter iii. 21.--" The like figure whereunto even baptism doth, also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." That tendency in the human mind to rush into extremes, which we have had reason again and again to notice in the progress of the present series of discourses, has on no subject manifested itself more strongly than on that which this evening waits for our attention. It has been handled so frequently in a controversial, so seldom in a calm and prayerful spirit, that it is no marvel it should have been mystified rather than simplified, buried in contradiction rather than brought forth into light. Some, in their zeal to make much of the ordinance of Christ, others, in their anxiety to arm the priesthood with power, have confounded the sign with the grace which it signifies, and given to the institution the semblance of a charm rather than of a reasonable and believing service. Recoiling from these extravagances, many have either set aside the institution altogether, or else, retaining the form, have degraded it into an unmeaning ceremony; a badge of discipleship, not an instrument of grace. How far our church has been enabled to steer safely in this case, as she has in so many other instances, between the shoals which on either hand beset the course of truth, is a question of no small interest. On no point have her views been subjected to severer blame than on this point. Not only have they been reprobated by thousands who are unfriendly to her, they have been extensively arraigned or distrusted by persons who, on the whole, accord with her. Tracts and volumes without end have been written on the question, yet the debate is as un...

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